No longer available

What does “no longer available” mean for laboratory equipment?

In the laboratory industry, equipment is regularly taken out of production. Manufacturers such as Thermo Scientific introduce newer generations every few years. These newer models offer improved energy efficiency, more modern controls and stricter safety standards. As a result, older models are gradually phased out over time. Equipment that is no longer available will in most cases continue to function reliably for many years. It simply means the manufacturer no longer produces new units. Spare parts may also become harder to source over time.

Many laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and food production facilities use this equipment daily. For them, this is not an immediate reason to replace. It is wise, however, to identify the right successor model in time. This avoids surprises in case of failure or planned replacement.

Service and maintenance on discontinued equipment

We offer full support for laboratory equipment that is no longer in production. Our service and maintenance department provides preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs. We also continue to supply spare parts for discontinued models. Our service engineers are experienced with both the current generation and older models. This expertise is built on over 40 years of market presence. We also maintain close relationships with manufacturers such as Thermo Scientific and Labselect.

Many customers choose a maintenance contract on their existing equipment. This way, the lifespan is fully utilised before an upgrade becomes necessary. The same applies to critical applications in for example the pharmaceutical industry and biotech or medical diagnostics. For these sectors, the most pragmatic choice is often clear: keep running on reliable equipment and switch at the right moment.

Choosing the right successor

For every discontinued model in this category, we point to the current successor. You can find these in our assortment. The successor usually offers the same or improved specifications. It often comes with extra benefits in energy consumption, usability and compliance. However, a successor is not always a one-to-one replacement. Differences in dimensions, connection requirements or validation needs may be relevant to your situation.

For businesses in the food industry or agriculture and horticulture, additional factors matter. We look at robustness, hygienic design and suitability for specific process conditions. Research laboratories and universities have different priorities. For them, temperature stability, data logging and GLP compliance are usually most important.

Are you unsure which successor best fits your application? Please get in touch with our team. Our technical product specialists will respond as soon as possible with targeted advice. This may include a comparison of several suitable models or a trial setup at your location.